The centurion who persecuted Jesus*

The centurion who persecuted Jesus, Acts 8-14 Saul persecutes the church 8 And Saul was consenting to his death. On that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem: and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, entering into every house, and dragging off men and women and committed them to prison. Preaching the Gospel in Samaria 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the gospel. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For many who had unclean spirits went out with a loud voice, and many paralytics and cripples were healed; 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. 10 In that they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had, because with his magic had long deceived. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized, he continued with Philip, and seeing signs and great miracles taking place, he was stunned. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John; 15 who, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit. 20 Peter said to him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps be forgiven the thought of thine heart; 23 because of bitterness and captive to sin I see you. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me. 25 When they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and in many villages of the Samaritans announced the gospel. Philip and the Ethiopian 26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went. And it came to an Ethiopian eunuch of Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 again sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go up and join this chariot. 30 Philip ran to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Do you understand what you read? 31 And he said, How can I, unless someone guides me? And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he read was this:     Like sheep to the slaughter was carried;     And like a lamb dumb before his shearer,     So he opened not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken; His generation who shall declare? Because the land was removed from his life. m 34 answered the eunuch said to Philip: I beg you to tell me: who says the prophet this himself, or someone else? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus. 36 And as he journeyed, came to some water, and the eunuch said, here is water: what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. Answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot, and down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up from the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Ashdod, and passing, he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. Conversion of Saul (Acts 22.6-16, 26.12-18) 9 Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly round about him a light from heaven; 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said, Arise, and go into the city, and you will be told what to do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no one. 8 Saul arose from the earth, and opening his eyes, he could see nothing, but they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 And there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision: Ananias. And he answered: Here I am, Lord. 11 And the Lord said, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem; 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name. 15 The Lord said unto him, because this is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel; 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name. 17 Ananias departed and entered the house, and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Spirit Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples in Damascus. Saul preached in Damascus 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 And all who heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who called on this name, and it came here, to bring them bound before the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. Saul escapes of Jews 23 after many days, the Jews took counsel to kill him; 24 but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket. Saul in Jerusalem 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen on the way to the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them in Jerusalem, and came and went, 29 and spake boldly in the name of Jesus, and disputed against the Greek; but they went about to kill him. 30 When the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and were multiplied by the Holy Spirit. Healing of Aeneas 32 pass that Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who for eight years he was in bed, he was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And I saw all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron, and they turned to the Lord. Dorcas is resurrected 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This was full of good works and charitable deeds. 37 And it came to pass in those days sick and died. Had washed, they laid her in a room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men, desiring him not to delay in coming to us. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them and came and took him to the room where all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 Then, pulling all Peter knelt and prayed, and turning to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up then called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. Peter and Cornelius 10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and said, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him, and afraid, he said, What is it, Lord? And he said, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 Send therefore now men to Joppa, and do come to Simon who is called Peter. 6 lodgeth of one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea, he will tell you what you need to do. 7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier of them that waited on him; 8 and sent them to Joppa, after having told all. 9 The next day, while they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance; 11 and saw heaven opened, and something descending like a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth; 12 Wherein were all terrestrial quadrupeds and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice Rise, Peter, kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Lord, no, for nothing common or unclean food ever. 15 Again the voice spake unto him the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again canvas in the sky. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what the vision meant he had seen, these are the men who were sent by Cornelius, who, asking for Simon's house, stood before the gate. 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, who lived there was surnamed Peter. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, go down and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to where the men who were sent by Cornelius said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and fearing God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for thee into his house and to hear words. 23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And the next day Peter went away with them and they sent him some of the brothers from Joppa. 24 The next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Arise, I myself also am a man. 27 And talking with him, went in, and found many that were come together. 28 And he said to them: You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man or come to a foreigner, but God has shown me that to call any man common or unclean; 29 which, when called, no reply came. So I ask: Why you did cause me to come? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago at this time I was fasting, and the ninth hour I prayed in my house, I saw before me was a man in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and your alms have been remembered before God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and do come to Simon who is called Peter, who dwells in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea, and when he comes, he will speak. 33 So I sent for you, and you have done well to come. Now therefore are we all here in the presence of God, to hear all that God has commanded you. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and of justice. 36 God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all. 37 You know what was published throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 how God anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power: Jesus of Nazareth, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of Judea and in Jerusalem, whom they slew and hanged on a tree. 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 not to all the people, but by witnesses whom God had ordained beforehand, to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision who had come with Peter were amazed that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. 47 Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Report Pedro to the Jerusalem church 11 heard the apostles and brethren that were in Judea, that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, contended with him who were of the circumcision, 3 saying, Why have you entered the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them? 4 Then Peter began to tell what happened in order, saying: 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet coming down, which of the four corners, and came down from heaven to me. 6 When he looked in his eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed land, and beasts, and reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter, kill and eat. 8 And I said: Lord, no, for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn back up into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men in the house where I was, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them without hesitation. Were these six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house, 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and do come to Simon, who is on behalf Pedro; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 17 If then God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying! So also to the Gentiles given repentance unto life! The church in Antioch 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they came to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they faithful to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when they had found him, he brought him to Antioch. 26 And a whole year they assembled with the church, and taught much people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 In those days came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea; 30 Which also they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. James, died, Peter, imprisoned 12 At that time Herod the king laid hands on some of the church to vex. 2 And the sword killed James the brother of John. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread. 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers each to guard him, and intended to get the people after the Passover. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Peter is delivered from prison 6 And when Herod would forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said: Gird yourself and tie on your sandals. And he did so. And he said: Wrap your cloak, and follow me. 9 And departing, followed him, but did not know it was true which was done the angel, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 Having passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened to them by itself, and went out and went one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 Then Peter came to himself, he said: Now I know that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from everything the Jewish people were expecting. 12 And when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 13 When Peter knocked at the door of the yard, went to hear a girl named Rhoda 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, the joy did not open the gate, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said to him: You are crazy. But she kept insisting that it was. Then they said! Is your angel! 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they opened and they saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, making with his hand to be silent, to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he said, Tell these things to James and to the brothers. And he departed and went to another place. 18 And it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 But when Herod had searched and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded lead to death. He went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. Death of Herod 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and bribed Blasto, who was steward of the king, they asked for peace, because their country was fed by the king. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat in court and harangued them. 22 And the people gave a shout! Voice of God, and not of a man! 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul, fulfilled their ministry, returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, who was surnamed Mark. Barnabas and Saul begin their first missionary journey 13 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen;  which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, they placed their hands and said goodbye. The apostles preach in Cyprus 4 So they, being sent by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 And they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant. 6 And when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, named Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But withstood them Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name), seeking to set aside the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 said:! O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, enemy of all righteousness! Do not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now therefore, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a time. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness, and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia 13 Having set sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. 14 And they departed from Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath [a] and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, Men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, speak. 16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said: Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, listen: 17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm them out of it. 18 And by the time of forty years in the desert endured; 19 and he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 Then, four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then called king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 had removed him, he raised up David as king, to whom also he gave testimony, saying: I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. 23 From this man's seed, and according to the promise, God raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus. 24 Before his coming, John preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he, but here comes one after me, I am not worthy to untie the shoes of his feet. 26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is sent word of this salvation. 27 For the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, [b] they have fulfilled them in condemning him. 28 And though they found no cause in him worthy of death, they asked Pilate to kill him. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, removing it from the tree and laid him in the tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead. 31 And he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. 32 And we tell you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled to their sons, to us, by raising Jesus, as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten you. 34 And as he rose from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this I will give you the sure mercies of David. 35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption. 37 But he whom God raised up saw no corruption. 38 But know this, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, 39 and that of everything that the law of Moses could not be justified, it is justified to everyone who believes. 40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the prophets: 41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; Because I work a work in your days, Work not believe it, if someone unto you. 42 When they came out of the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles begged them the next sabbath [c] I speak of these things. 43 Now when the congregation, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 The next Sabbath [d] came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and rebutted what Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, Unto the truth needed to be spoken first the word of God, but put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded, saying:     I have made you a light for the Gentiles,     In order that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. 48 The Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were ordained to eternal life. 49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their boundaries. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet, came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas in Iconium 14 pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude of Jews, and Greeks. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned their minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, granting to be done by the hands of signs and wonders. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 But when the Jews and Gentiles, with their rulers, took to despitefully, and to stone them, 6 when they had known, they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and all the surrounding region, 7 and there they preached the gospel. Paul was stoned in Lystra 8 And in Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, lame from birth, who had never walked. 9 The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening his eyes, and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11 And the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods in the likeness of men have come down to us. 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the one carrying the word. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was before the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and along with the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices. 14 When they heard the apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying 15 and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men like you that I announce that from these vanities unto the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. 16 In bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways; 17 but not left himself without testimony, doing good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling food and gladness of our hearts. 18 And saying these things, hardly able to keep the crowd from sacrificing to them. 19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But the disciples surrounding him, he got up and went into the city: and the next day went with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying: We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. 23 When they had appointed elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. The Return to Antioch in Syria 24 Passing then through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Atalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. 27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And there they abode long time with the disciples. Because of this the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did these things on the Sabbath. Who was this man named Jesus of Nazareth? He was a king. The only Son of God. Prophecy; So whom do you pursue God's anointed king. As was done with Saul. I-Mark 12:15-17 relates: But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny to see it. They brought, and said unto them, Whose is this image and inscription? They told him, Caesar's. Jesus answered and said unto them, Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. And they marveled at him. II-In Matthew 5:39-41 we read: But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also, and whoever wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your coat also and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. III-Luke 7: 3-9 tells about the centurion's faith: When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, He is worthy to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue. And Jesus went with them. But when they were not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying: Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof so neither thought I myself worthy to come to you but say the word, and my servant will be healed. I also am a man under authority, and I have soldiers under me: and I say unto one, Go, and he goes, and to another, Come, and he comes, and to my servant, Do this, and he does. When Jesus heard this, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the people that followed him, I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. Prophet: TERESA AQUINO Email: Taquino66@yahoo.com